The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of activities for anyone aged 14-24. Doing their DofE gives young people the opportunity to experience new activities or develop existing skills.

There are three progressive levels of programmes which, when successfully completed, lead to a bronze, silver or gold award. Young people create their own DofE programme by choosing volunteering, physical and skills activities, going on an expedition and, for their gold only, taking part in a residential activity.

Within Scouting, this links directly to the chief scout’s platinum, diamond and Queen’s scout awards.

Volunteering

The aim of this section is to encourage volunteering, and is based on the belief that members of the community have a responsibility to each other. Young people should receive briefing and training in appropriate skills, and have some knowledge of the needs of those whom they are assisting.

Although the specific benefits depend on the choice of activity, the volunteering section should offer the participants the opportunity to:

give personal commitment

appreciate the needs of others and contribute to their well-being

trust and be trusted

understand personal strengths and weaknesses

increase self-esteem

overcome prejudice and fears

generate positive community action

care for the environment

accept responsibility

Skills

The aim of this section is to encourage the discovery and development of practical and social skills and personal interests. It should encourage young people to pursue activities within a wide range of practical, cultural and social environments and develop social, life and vocational skills.

The skills section should offer participants the opportunity to:

develop practical and social skills

meet new people

organise and manage time

discover how to research information

set and respond to challenge

work with others

enjoy sharing

discover new talents

Physical

The aim of this section is to encourage participation and improvement in a physical activity. The physical section should provide opportunities to:

enjoy keeping fit

improve fitness

discover new abilities

raise self-esteem

extend personal goals

respond to a challenge

derive a sense of achievement

Expeditions

The aim of the expeditions section is to encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery. All ventures involve self-reliant journeying in the countryside or on water, conceived with an aim and undertaken on foot, by cycle, on horseback, or in canoes or boats by participants’ own physical effort and without motorised assistance.

The expeditions section should provide opportunities to:

demonstrate enterprise

work as a member of a team

respond to a challenge

develop self-reliance

develop leadership skills

recognise the needs and strengths of others

make decisions and accept the consequences

plan and execute a task

reflect on personal performance

enjoy and appreciate the countryside

Residential

The aim of this section is to broaden young peoples’ experience through involvement with others in a residential setting. The residential project should give the young people the opportunity to: